symptoms after 7weeks

[JodyC]

I am having alot of trouble progressing in my recovery and I am getting fustrated. I still cant walk more than a half a block without getting tightness in my chest and abdomen. Once that starts the muscels in the top of my legs get weak and I am doubled over trying to get my strength back to keep walking. Sometimes this happens quicker than others. There are times that if I push myself through it I will feel better for a bit and then it starts again. I have told my cardio and my rehab nurse. I had to stop rehab last week because it is just pointless when I can't keep going enough to improve.
I have just switched from the flecainide to rhytmol and I am also on digitek, metoprolol, lasix, coumadin, and synthroid. I had to switch from the flecainide to the rythmol because it was weaking the muscels in my eyes and I had hoped maybe it was to blame for the rest of my syptoms too but no such luck. I have felt this way since the second surgery but I just assumed that it was normal and as I got better it would subside. The tightness and pain in my abdomen is right below the bottom of my sternumn which is also where my chest tubes were.
My cardio said after I switched to the rhythmol if that didn't do it we could try switching the digitek and see if that was the problem. I am really getting depressed. I have to fax my paperwork in monday to be off the month of september now that I still can't walk far. Has anyone else had anything like this?

 

[hall]

I am sorry you are having all these problems. I was back to work at 8 weeks. I would certainly get a second opinion. I hope you get your health straightened around.

 

[Bina]

I understand what you are going through.....at 7 wks postop I was still only walking around the house a bit and I needed assistance with many daily activities. I had complete head to toe weakness. I don't do well with surgery and anesthetics.

 

[BDMc]

Sorry you are having such a hard time. How about cardio rehab? I would think the cardiologist would be pushing that.? All the best, Brian

 

[ponygirlmom]

When your chest gets tight and you get muscle weakness, are you also very short of breath? Are you able to inhale deeply? Do you have trouble conversing at these times?

I developed symptoms like yours when I developed constrictive pericarditis, for which I am now being treated. I am back to being able to walk 1.5 miles. However, you have more variables to your symptoms than I do, because you are taking many more medications that affect your heart rate and blood pressure.

By the way, whether I am feeling good or feeling bad, I have that uncomfortable feeling below my sternum, especially around the tube sites. I often feel like I want to wear a "tube area bra" to support it!

 

[JodyC]

Oaktree

Oaktree

I am supposed to call and set up a time to have the surgeon clip that wire. For now I just bend it down when it pokes up too much. The skin has a callus there so I don't think it will poke through now. I know I need to get it done but going there was just too much for me right now.
I wasn't sure if my problems were because something is still wrong that has been overlooked or if it is just because I am still recovering. Should I push myself through the discomfort? I thought I would be back to work by 8 weeks and I am starting to panic a bit financially.

Thanks for everyones responses. I am trying cardiac rehab again tomorrow to see if I can do better. The rehab nurse knows my issues.

 

[Karlynn]

As long as you are telling your cardio and/or surgeon about these symptoms, I think it's just is the fact that (as Oaktree mentioned) you had a very challenging time. Have you asked about, or done cardiac rehab? What are your doctors telling you about your progress?

 

[Alistair]

Hello Jody;

I hate to hear anyone suffer so long post-op. I hope you get things sorted out. I would be careful not to push yourself too hard unless under supervised professional care. I wish for you the very best.

-Alistair

 

[WayneGM]

Sorry to hear you are having such challenges. I don't have anything to add to what's already been said. It does get better with time, so hang in there. Just make sure all your caregivers are kept informed of your issues. Best wishes and good luck.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Sorry to hear you are having so many issues Jody.

Have you told Dr. Bove about your current situation?
If not, I think that would worthwhile.

Also, is your Primary Care Physician involved?
When a patient has multiple health issues, the PCP is usually designated to coordinate treatment plans between conflicting providers.

As Nancy says, "Never Give In and Never Give Up"!
Keep bugging your Doc's for answers.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[JodyC]

Thanks

I will let my PCP know the issues, I didn't think to update him. Dr.Bove doesn't know yet but I should be seeing him fairly soon to have my sternum wire trimmed. I went back to rehab this morning and did better than what I have been doing. I am going to push myself a little more and see how I do. I just thought I would be better by now mostly by sheer determination! Thanks for all your comments and suggestions, it really helps to have people that know how you feel to give a little support.